Der
Rittmeister Militaria, LLC. Imperial German Merchandise Page 20: Imperial German Royalty & Nobility:
Personality Items, Swords & Daggers, Stickpins, Signed Photos and Documents,
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One of the most interesting and rewarding areas of collecting is finding items directly-related to the Imperial German Royalty. We take great pleasure and pride in scouring all parts of Germany to locate these rare treasures.
From uniforms to shoulder boards, edged weapons to headdress, and so on,
we constantly strive to bring you the finest items related to the Kaisers, Kings, Princes, Grand Dukes, Dukes, etcetera, of Imperial GermanyWe also invite you to look at our Documents Page Nr 2 (please click here to view). Many of these groupings contain signatures from the rulers of the various kingdoms, duchies, etc. Enjoy looking through our "virtual museum!"
Kingdom and Empire - Prussia
Items Relating to Kaiser Wilhelm II
20-173 PERSONAL SHAKO OF KAISER WILHELM II -
GENERALFELDMARSCHALL -
NAV
Y SEE-BATTALION - IN FULL PARADE
CONFIGURATION - COMPLETE WITH PARADE FEATHERS AND TWO STORAGE BOXES.
front and rear visors. The
See-Battalion's wappen is absolutely magnificent. It features an
eagle with outspread wings. In the middle of its chest is a smaller
Hohenzollern Eagle. Clasped in the larger eagle’s talons is an anchor base.
Over its head sits a Hohenzollern Crown, with a royal stole streaming out from
either side. The wappen is exquisitely frosted. All of its fire gilding
remains intact. The shako boasts a glorious pair of chin scales. The final
exterior detail is its field badge, handsomely crafted of silver bullion. It
sports a red center signifying the Reich. The exterior’s condition is
excellent. I believe most would agree with me. It is in mint-minus condition.
the field badge. The entire shako takes on an entirely different look when the
parade feathers are attached. Accompanying the parade feathers is an officer’s
regular horsehair bush. It is a very full and beautifully-shaped. Should you
to want to attach the bush, you will need to dismount the feathers. This is
because only one of these very special trichters is included. Personally, I cannot imagine why
one would wish to do so. The bush comes with the ensemble, however. It will be
yours to do with as you wish when you purchase it. Another part of the
ensemble is the shako’s and parade feathers’ storage boxes. The shako’s box measures 9" x 11" x 8." The box front
displays a special-added label that reads "Seebattalion." Immediately
above the unit designation appears Wilhelm II’s similarly Hohenzollern-Crowned
Cypher. The box is lined in white silk. The shako rests inside the box, along
with the field badge and the extra, horsehair parade bush. Originally, a
leather strap secured the top to the box. Only a remnant of the leather strap
remains.
s. This one has openings on both ends to facilitate removing and
replacing the bush. The ends are appropriately marked "Oben (top)" and "Unten (bottom)." The box stands 11 3/4" high. It is 6
3/4" in diameter at the
base. Its side displays a similar label to that seen on the shako’s box,
identifying it as Kaiser Wilhelm II’s property.
26-16 PRESENTATION BRONZE OF KAISER WILHELM II
IN THE UNIFORM OF A
GROßADMIRAL TO ADMIRAL FREDERICK von INGENOHL.
Bronzes of Kais
er Wilhelm II are extremely popular with
collectors. These bronzes come in a variety of sizes and
different quality levels. Even modest households in Germany
usually displayed a small bronze of the Kaiser. At the other
extreme were the massive pieces commissioned by the Kaiser
himself. They were produced and given as gifts for special
services to the Kaiser and the Reich. These often ranged to
20" in height and exceeded 20+ lbs.! They were never
produced in great quantities. Most of them featured the
Kaiser wearing an army regimental uniform. One should
remember, however, that Wilhelm II was a Navy man at heart.
He really savored his role as Großadmiral in the Kaiserliche
Marine. As with ANY area of collecting,
we ALWAYS find that naval items are fewer in number. It does
not matter whether it is wound badges, qualification badges,
uniforms, or whatever; navy items are ALWAYS harder to find. Our featured
item brings this scarcity home with a resounding bang. As rare as are these
presentation bronzes of Wilhelm II, the number of them with a naval theme is
minuscule. We recently readjusted our focus in this area of merchandise.
Although we have offered busts of German royalty and military commanders for
years, now we are searching for rarer pieces. I do not use the term "museum piece"
or "museum quality" lightly. Applying either in
this case does not represent an overstatement. What we offer today is a massive,
beautifully constructed, special presentation bronze of
Kaiser Wilhelm II in the uniform of a Großadmiral. That
alone makes it a very rare piece. In addition, it was a
special presentation piece given by a grateful Kaiser to
Admiral Friederick von Ingenohl. Frederick von Ingenohl
(1857-1933) first joined the Imperial German Navy in 1874 at
the age of seventeen. He served in many commands, then
ultimately was appointed to command the High Seas Fleet in
1913. He was, in fact, its commander at the outbreak of WW I.
Although aggressive by nature, Ingenohl was never able to
fully implement his plans for his fleet. This was due in part
to a lack of support from the Kaiser himself, who did not
want to risk his fleet, and from interference by the German
Admiralty. Alfred von Tirpitz was one of his biggest
opponents. After a whispering campaign to the Kaiser, von
Ingenohl was replaced in February 1915. This bronze was presented to von
Ingenohl in April 1914 on the occasion of his 40th
year of service in the Navy. This imposing bronze measures
some 20" in height and weighs more than twenty-two lbs.
The bronze has a marble base (dark green and white) and a
matching circular extension to which the waist-high likeness
of
Kaiser Wilhelm II is attached. This stunningly beautiful
likeness shows the Kaiser in the full-dress uniform of a
Großadmiral. Wilhelm is wearing his fore and aft cap and
grasps a telescope in his right hand. Attached to the
circular marble extension is a dedication plaque, which
states "Meinem leiben Ingenohl 12
April 1914 Wilhelm." Topping this
beautifully patinaed plaque is a superb Hohenzollern Crown.
This massive bronze was the work of the noted sculptor, Otto
Rohloff. Rohloffs signature appears on the reverse of
the bronze. I am so excited to present this naval-themed
bronze to you today. I hope that each of you will read this
description in detail and look closely at the attached
photographs. All of the items we offer have history attached
to some degree or another. This is a slice of history at its
best, as a king acknowledges the contributions of his loyal
subject in a most effuse and generous manner.
$9,995.00

Kaiser Wilhelm II - 1901.
King Oscar II of Sweden - 1901.
Hans von Koester - 1905.
Prinz Heinrich von Preußen - 1909.
Alfred von Tirpitz - 1911.
Henning von Holtzendorff - 1918.
No equivalent rank to Generaloberst existed in the German Navy. Thus, one
finds the jump from Admiral to Großadmiral. If one examines the bust’s
epaulettes, in addition to the Navy’s fouled anchor the Kaiser is wearing an
Admiral’s two pips on each epaulette, rather than a Großadmiral’s crossed
batons. It also informs us that the bust predates 1901, when the Kaiser
assumed became the Kaiserliche Marine’s first Großadmiral.
Around his neck, the Kaiser is wearing the Kette (Collar) of the
Hohenzollern House Order. It is one of Imperial Germany’s rarest decorations.
It makes the PLM look common! [I saw one of these several years ago
that had belonged to the King of Bulgaria. It was in its original presentation
case (which was massive), and its asking price was more than $100,000].
The Kette was awarded only to German royalty, and royalty from other
nations at the King/Kaiser’s discretion. Wilhelm is also wearing a Frack bar
on his left breast.
This is a simply superb bust. If you have the space to display it properly,
this would make a key piece for your collection. [Due to the item’s size and weight,
special packing and shipping will be required. This will be determined based
on your location and shipping needs. You will be charged based on the actual
cost.
CW
Nothing shows the grandeur and power of the German Empire more than the gifts Kaiser Wilhelm II granted to his subjects and special acquaintances. I have a special interest in royalty items. The various gifts Wilhelm II bestowed "speak" to me. The incredible high quality and beauty of these items take one’s breath away. These gifts include busts, swords, stickpins, watches, rings, etc., etc. Today we offer one of the most beautiful Kaiser gifts I have seen so far. Our featured item was the top find of our recently-completed trip to Germany. We start with its ravishing, red, Moroccan-leather-fitted case. It measures 6 3/4" x 5 ½" x 1." An elegant, gold-trim design completely encircles the case. The case’s center spotlights an applied, gilt, Hohenzoller
20-133 PRESENTATION GIFT SET, CIGARETTE AND MATCH CASE IN A DELUXE LEATHER CASE FROM KAISER WILHELM II TO A NAVAL OFFICER.
n Crown. The Prussian royal stole flows down from the crown.
Inside, the case is lined with purple silk at the top. Embossed in gold
across the silk liner is the name of one of the Kaiser’s most important
house jewelers. It reads, "Gebr. Friedlander Hof-Juwaleltere Sr.
Maj. d. Kaisers Berlin W." A Hohenzollern Crown is also embossed
over this in gold.
[A word or two about Friedlander is in order here. The four
best-known royal house jewelers during the Imperial period were: Godet &
Sohn, Wagner & Sohn, Cy & Wagner, and Gebrüder Friedlander.
Godet and Wagner are perhaps a little better-known, as both
produced superb orders and decorations. The fact is, Friedlander was
equally as skilled in making orders and decorations. Interestingly,
awarded Ordens Pour le Mérite were most often produced by Wagner &
Sohn AND Gebrüder Friedlander! When it came to producing royal
gifts such as this one, Friedlander and Cy & Wagner were the
best in the field. All of the best such pieces I have seen were produced by
these two firms].
The bottom portion of the case also is covered in purple velvet. The base
section contains cutout resting places for the two "stars" of this royal
presentation. First is a superb silver cigarette case, with a textured
finish that looks like silvery bark. This case measures 3 ½" x 3" x ½." In
the upper left corner is an engraved cypher "W" with a Hohenzollern Crown.
The crown and cypher are highlighted with inlaid GOLD and rose-colored
diamonds! The rose-colored diamonds give the crown and cypher an interesting
cast. It is more subdued and elegant than white diamonds. I just love
holding this case under artificial light and turning it in my hands so the
light catches the highlights of these small diamonds. I have seen many fine
cigarette cases given as gifts by Wilhelm II, but I have never seen
one encrusted with diamonds, nor at this quality-level. The crown displays FIVE of the small, rose-colored diamonds, while the
Wilhelm Cypher has no less than THIRTY-SEVEN. The
button that opens the cigarette case is a cabochon sapphire.
As beautiful as is the exterior, the interior is equally stunning. The
interior is gilt, which offsets the silver exterior quite handsomely.
Sitting exactly where the cypher is on the obverse is another Wilhelm Cypher
on the left side of the case. Below that cypher is the inscription of the
award from "His Majesty the Kaiser an Honor Prize for a Tennis
Competition in 1901 to a Navy Oberleutnant zur See Robertson." (Ehrenpreis
Sr. Maj. des
Kaisers im Tenniswettspiel gewonnen von Oberleutnant zur See
Robertson 1901). To the right are all the correct markings for
Friedlander and .900 silver. The two elastic restrainers for
cigarettes remain in place. The corresponding match case measures 1 ½"" x 2"
x 1/4." It features a smaller, rose-diamond-encrusted Wilhelm Cypher and
Hohenzollern Crown. The lid flips up in the same manner as a modern lighter.
A number of matches could be housed inside. At the bottom of the case is a
striking surface. I do not see markings for Friedlander on the
smaller case; however, I have no doubt it was produced in the same manner
and by the same firm as the cigarette case.
This, my dear readers is as sumptuous a cigarette case as was produced
during the thirty years that Kaiser Wilhelm II sat on Germany’s throne.
Unquestionably, it is the most important Kaiser gift that I have offered.
The fact it was presented to a naval officer does not hurt, either. [As an
aside, Oberleutnant zur See Robertson, in spite of what looks like a
non-German surname, was indeed a German naval officer. He went on to
become a Korvettenkapitän during WW I in an administrative post].
$7,495.00
20-134 TELESCOPE GIVEN AS GIFT BY KAISER WILHELM II. This is a fascinating, nav
al-style telescope. It probably was a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm to an admirer. It measures 13 3/4" unextended and 21 1/4" extended. It is leather-wrapped. I do not see a silver content on the exposed metal surfaces that are not leather wrapped. An interesting peg arrangement uncovers the eye piece and protects it from exposure or damage when the telescope is not in use. Also up near the eyepiece is a staggered trim that looks like four coiled ropes, further advancing the telescope’s naval motif. As previously mentioned, the leather wrapping provided a better grip of the telescope when in use. On the barrel’s exposed metal is a wonderful, jeweler-engraved cypher of Wilhelm II, along with a Hohenzollern Crown. This cypher is quite large, measuring 2 3/4" x 1." Also, on the barrel is an indication the telescope was made in France. It is entirely possible it was purchased from German sources on one of the S. M. Y. Hohenzollern’s voyages, when she was away from her home port. At the front of the telescope is an interesting swing-away lens cover. An item like this shows the wide range of items given by the Kaiser to admirers, German and foreign dignitaries, and supporters. It is splendidly made. [Its one current defect is that the lens are cloudy, making it impossible to see through it (only light shows). The new owner may disassemble the piece to clean the lens if he or she so desires]. It would make a fine addition to any royalty or naval collection. $5,995.00
20-55 FRAMED & SIGNED PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH OF WILHELM II. This is a very nice framed portrait photograph of Kaiser Wilhelm II. it is a truly marvelous photograph and shows him wearing what I believe to be the pickelhaube of a Garde Kurassier Officer. The photograph in its matting shows the name of the Royal House photographer. Below that is a large bold signature of Wilhelm II in pencil which is dated 20 July 1900. The frame is of period manufacture with a fair amount of age to it. The frame, which shows a partial gilt trim, measures 13 1/2" x 10 1/2" while the image measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2". The reverse of the frame shows the name of the manufacturer and there is a very simple hanger at the top of the frame to hang it from the wall. Overall condition is quite nice and this would make a nice addition to a collection of royalty. $995.00
CW
The signature of Kaiser Wilhelm II is always sought-after by collectors. His bold and distinctive signature is handsome. When seen on a complete Urkunde or Promotion Patent, it makes a wonderful way to have a signature of Germanys third and final Kaiser. Today, we offer an attractively double-matted presentation of a document bearing Wilhelm IIs signature. The document is for a Hauptmann von Busse, who had served as a premier (forerunner of an oberleutnant) lieutenant in Füsilier-Regiment Prinz Heinrich von Preußen (Brandenburgisches) Nr 35. This regiment was founded in 1813. Along with his promotion he was posted to Grenadier-Regiment König Friedrich III (2. Schlesisches) Nr 11, which was founded in 1808. Doing a spot of research, I believe I have found our man in the 1914-1918 Rangeliste. There was an Oberst Busse, who served as the Adjutant of XX. Armeekorps. He later retired from the army as a Generalmajor a.D. The document is dated 15 November 1894 and bears the bold signature of the Kaiser. We can see a slight smudge in his signatures ink. Alongside his signature we see the large embossed coat-of-arms for the House of Hohenzollern. The document appears in its own double matted "window." A black and white lithograph of Wilhelm II is displayed in a second "window." Below that is a third window with the Kaisers name. The custom-framed presentation (modern-day) measures 21 ½" x 19 ½." As an historical aside, most Officer Promotion Patents for the rank of hauptmann and above were personally signed by the Kaiser. Those below that rank generally were not signed by him. They were prepared in the same basic format, showing the mans name, unit, former rank and the rank to which he was being promoted. This is a great way to display a signature for Wilhelm II. All you need is a hook on the wall, and you are ready to go! Extra shipping required on this item. $850.00 . . .
20-97 FRAMED OFFICERS PATENT WITH THE SIGNATURE OF KAISER WILH
ELM II.
20-33 GA COMBINATION OF A SHOULDER BOARD AND AIGUILLETTE FROM A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL TO THE COURT OF KAISER WILHELM II IN THE STORAGE CARTON. As many of you are aware, we always pride ourselves on bringing you interesting and seldom-seen items. I believe that we have hit the mark with this item as it once belonged to one of Wilhelm IIs servants. It is a massively executed shoulder board and aiguillette that would have been worn on the uniform of the servant. It is actually a single shoulder board attached to the aiguillette. The shoulder board itself is red, silver and black and in its center is a bold Hohenzollern Eagle with a crown over it. There is a pip-like device on the bottom on the shoulder board that has a crown attached to a smaller eagle. The final touch to the shoulder board itself was a HUGE crown attached to its edge. It is likely that this man served in a higher capacity and/or had been with the royal family for a longer time than many other servants. It was explained to me that men who served in this capacity were actually considered government officials and that is why they were entitled to such handsome uniforms and regalia. In looking at the underside of the shoulder board we see the date 1899 and the name of the owner, "Grossmann." The single shoulder board is of the slip-on variety with a sturdy clip to attach it to the uniform. The aiguillette is no less impressive. It is silver with black striping and has two very handsome, silvered metal extensions with crowns at the very bottom. These are every bit as well made as any generals aiguillettes that I have seen. The crowning glory of this set is that they come stored in the original storage carton. The carton is identified to H. Schön at Unter den Linden 50. This firm was known for quality uniforms and accessories for military and civil officials. For being more than 100 years ago this entire set is stunning and would be a fine addition to a royalty or shoulder board display. $1,150.00
20-121 HAND PAINTED, FRAMED PORCELAIN OF KAISER WILHELM II. This is a stunning, hand painted, porcelain image of Kaiser Wilhelm II of the Regiments der Garde du Corps dress uniform. The framed presentation measures 12" x 9 ½," and the framed image measures 9" x 6 ½." The frame is quite ornate. The image shows the Kaiser in dress uniform (without helmet or supravest). He has on the dress shoulder boards of his rank and is holding his sword. The colors of the porcelain are quite vibrant. It is quite handsome. On his right sleeve is a small chip. It could be corrected easily with a bit of attention. It is not too noticeable, and blends in fairly well with the rest of the tunic. It is not detractive, in my opinion. This will look super on your wall! $795.00. .
24-11 CADINEN ASHTRAY. I have long wanted to offer an example of the Cadinen art form on these pages. Cadinen was known for its clean lines and simple but classic workmanship. This was a firm that was owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II (or so Ive been told) and whose items bear his markings. The pieces produced included bookends, animals, and even ashtrays. $275.00.
20-52 KAISER PLAQUE. A unique wooden and metal plaque featuring Kaiser Wilhelm II. This plaque shows him in profile and wearing a garde du corps helmet complete with the large Hohenzollern Eagle mounted at the top. The wooden plaque measures 8 1/2" x 6 1/2". The metal oval portion which shows the Kaiser measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/2". The back of the plaque has a metal easel so that you may place it on a desk or a book case. Very fine condition and a nice item for you Wilhelm II collectors. $250.00
20-171 AWARD DOCUMENT - PRUSSIAN CROWN ORDER 3rd CLASS - SIGNED BY KAISER WILHELM II. This is an award document for the Prussian Crown Order 3rd Class. It is dated 18 January 1903 in Berlin. The award was made to Oberstleutnant Friedrich von Peteresdorff, who served on the staff of 4. Unter-Elsässischem Infantrie-Regiment Nr 143. The document bears Kaiser Wilhelm II’s large and bold signature, along with the House of Hohenzollern’s embossed coat-of-arms. The document has been placed in a period matte, but is not framed. The matte measures 16" x 11 1/2." The document within the matte measures 12 1/2" x 8 1/4." Another separate matte has a typewritten copy of what is said exactly on the document. I have no research at this time on Oberstleutnant von Petersdorff. Perhaps he served in WW I. If he did, it is probable that he was a general officer. $450.00
20-25 WILHELM II LEATHER NOTEBOOK. A very fine leather notebook that measures 6 3/4" x 5 3/4" and is made of brown leather. Embossed in the center measuring 3 1/4" in diameter is a profile likeness of Wilhelm II. This is very highly detailed. We can see that Wilhelm II is in full dress uniform and that he is even wearing a Black Eagle Collar. Over his head we see "Wilhelm II Deutscher Kaiser." Inside there is a single sheet of paper from the original pad of paper under a cover. Nice item for your desk.$225.00...
Items Relating to Kaiser Wilhelm I
20-143 FRAMED COLLAGE - KAISER WILHELM I. This is a fascinating framed collage of artifacts relating to Kaiser Wilhelm I (1797-1888). To begin, the framed collage measures 26" x 29 1/2." The framing is very high-quality but modern-day, not period. The frame displays a beautiful gilded molding that sets off the items within the frame quite handsomely. At the frame’s bottom is a brass plaque that states "Kaiser Wilhelm I 1797-1888." Within the frame are three different windows that have been created to house three items. Each of the windows is double-matted to set off the contents even more attractively. To the far left is a front page newspaper dated 13 March 1888. The newspaper measures 20 1/4" x 15," and is from Bremen. It carries the story of the Kaiser’s death, along with key points of his life. On display at the top right is a high-quality, printed notice of a memorial service for the Kaiser by the "Deutschen Vereinen Londons (Germans United in/with London) on 24 March 1888. This measures 9 1/4" x 7." Finally, on the bottom right is Kaiser Wilhelm I’s formal portrait, measuring 7" x 4 3/4." It also displays his distinctive signature in black ink. This magnificent presentation deserves a special place in your home or office. [As this is a very large presentation, professional packing will be required to ensure safe delivery to its new owner. Shipping charges are dependent on the buyer’s location]. $1,195.00
20-110 KNIGHTHOOD PRESENTATION DOCUMENT SET FROM THE ERA OF KAISER WILHELM I - PRUSSIA. This is the formal presentation set awarded to men who were elevated to Prussian knighthood. This very elaborate set consists of a hand carved wooden box for the Adelsbrief. This was the formal document recognizing the newly-elevated knight. The ornately hand carved storage box depicts the Hohenzollern Eagle on its outer lid. The box is secured by a lock and key. This is the first such relic I have owned that still has its key. The box measures 17 ½" x 14" x 5." Even on its own, this box is most impressive! In addition to the intricately carved Hohenzollern Eagle on the lid, elaborate carving decorates all the boxs surfaces. Inside, a floral silk insert graces the upper lid. A sumptuous red, leather, bound folio, measuring 14 ½ " x 11," encases the formal knighthood document. Again, the Hohenzollern Eagle is seen embossed in gilt on the folios cover. Each of the documents eight pages is made of the finest heavy velum that could be obtained at the time,(or today, for that matter). The text is rendered by a master calligrapher. The basic information is listed for Franz Albert Philipp Wittcke. His name is mentioned in that manner on several occasions until we finally see Franz Albert Philipp von Wittcke. Von Wittcke was a retired hauptmann in the Landwehr Battalion. The full-color coat-of-arms, which was created exclusively for the von Wittcke family, is the central theme within the folio. The hand painting on the velum remains vibrant even after 130+ years. It is truly a work of art. This document hails from around 1873, when many officers retiring from the army were awarded for their faithful service to the crown, especially in light of the recently completed Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. The bold signature of Kaiser Wilhelm I appears on the final page of the document. Also appearing is the signature of Graf Schulenburg, an official of the court. The final piece of this presentation set is a silver canister, measuring 6" in diameter. This canister displays Wilhelm Is crowned cypher, along with the Latin motto "Sum Cuique". Further, we see "Gott Mit Uns." Inside should be a red wax seal displaying the House of Hohenzollerns Coat-of-Arms. Although the red wax device is present, it shows no evidence of the Hohenzollern Coat-of-Arms! This is just a minor quirk. These sets are amazingly difficult-to-find. This is one of the most display-worthy examples that I have ever offered. $6,495.00. .
19-99 AUTOGRAPHED PHOTOGRAPH - KAISER WILHELM I. This is a studio portrait of Kaiser Wilhelm I. It measures 6 ½" x 4 1/4." His name and a crown are gold-embossed on the photograph’s bottom. He wearing a frock coat adorned with generalfeldmarschall’s shoulder boards. A küraßier officer’s visor cap sits on his head. His signature is boldly scrawled in black ink across the bottom portion of his tunic. This is an excellent signed photo of Germany’s first Kaiser. $250.00
Items Relating to Kronprinz Wilhelm
04-493 KRONPRINZ WILHELM von PREUßEN PICKELHAUBE FROM KÜRAßIER-REGIMENT Nr 2 WITH DELUXE STORAGE CASE. Today we offer the single most historically significant Pickelhaube in the history of Der Rittmeister Militaria. This is a historically important Küraßier helmet, once owned by Kronprinz Wilhelm von Preußen (Eldest son of Kaiser Wilhelm II and heir to the throne of Germany. He was in fact due to be the fourth Kaiser in Germany and was "The Kaiser who never was."). He served as an Oberst a lá suite for this regiment beginning on 27 January 1913. It was one of four elite Küraßier-Regiments, and was formally known as Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. The regiment was established in 1717. It was garrisoned at Pasewalk, where it was assigned to the II. Armeekorps. The other three elite Prussian Küraßier-Regiments were the Regiment des Gardes du Corps, the Garde-Küraßier-Regiment, and the Leib-Küraßier-Regiment Großer Kurfürst (Schlesisches) Nr 1. In addition, six line-Küraßier Regiments existed in the Prussian army. The Küraßier Regiments were the German Army’s heavy cavalry. They were, in fact, "armored cavalry." They wore metal helmets, with long, lobstertail backs to protect their necks from
sword slashes from their enemy. They also wore a metal breast plate (front and back) that was called a küraß. These breast plates offered good protection from other cavalrymen with whom they might fight. The advent of firearms reduced their advantage.
A case in point followed the Battle of Waterloo, after 1815 the no further Küraßier regiments were formed in the Prussian Army. Due to all the weight they carried, they needed the biggest and strongest horses. At the same time, they were easy targets on the battlefield, because they were the slowest cavalry. Their time had come and gone. By the early days of WW I, all cavalry was dismounted to serve in the trenches with the infantry.
The Kronprinz was a cavalryman of the first order. Our first thoughts of him usually are as a Hussar, whenhe served in 1. Leib-Husaren=Regiment Nr 1. This regiment was one of the two Prussian Husaren-Regiments that displayed the dreaded Totenkopf on both their busbies and schirmutzes/mutzes. It should be remembered that Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen was also a member of 1. Leib-Husaren-Regiment Nr 1 and had been so since the Franco-Prussian War. (But that is another story). Our helmet is an ultra-high-caliber helmet for Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. The helmet’s body is silver-toned. The helmet trim, chin scales, cruciform, and wappen are all gilt-toned. Three or four very minor indentations appear on the helmet’s surface. They are in no way detractive to the overall presentation. The wappen for the Kronprinz’s helmet is nothing short of amazing. The frosted gilding has changed little during the past 90+ years. Please take a moment to really look at this. Each of the feathers is sharply chiseled. The bandeau, which reads "Hohenfriedberg 4 Juni 1745" is sharp, and stands out against the wappen. (This was one of the key battles fought by Prussia during King Frederick the Great’s time). The oversized state and reich’s kokarden are present. An extra-tall, fluted, silver spike tops the helmet. Inside, the front and rear visors are leather-lined. The leather sweatband shows wear. It has some very small holes. The sweatband also displays the high leather stitching that is always an indicator of a very special helmet. The silk liner is faded from age and soiling, but is certainly white. Embossed in gold on the liner is Kronprinz Wilhelm’s crowned royal cypher. Peeking under the liner, all of the original hardware is present, with no double holes. The final touch to this amazing helmet is its special extra-tall storage case. The leather handle at the top is present, but broken. The attaching strap at the bottom is also split. On the bottom of the case’s exterior is the Kronprinz’s cypher once again. The inside bottom cover has a stamping for a place where many of the Kronprinz’s uniform items resided after WW I’s end. His intention was that they become part of a museum at some point. I am not certain whether this ever happened. We are including a postcard of the Kronprinz on parade with the regiment. He is in full-dress uniform, including the küraß and the actual helmet for Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2 that you see here. While we have been privileged to offer pickelhauben from many Imperial Germany royals, this is undoubtedly our most important offering yet. This helmet is a masterpiece from the art of high-end pickelhauben. We gladly share it with you today. $29,995.00
CB
20-165 XRL DELUXE DOUBLE FRAMED PRESENTATION PHOTOGRAPH SET -
KRONPRINZ WILHELM VON PREUßEN - KÜRAßIER REGIMENT Nr 2. This is a consignment item. Kronprinz Wilhelm was the Regimental Chef of both the renowned Küraßier-Regiment Nr 2, and the famous 1. Leib-Garde-Husaren-Regiment Nr 1. In the Küraßier-Regiment’s formal presentation photograph, the Kronprinz is wearing the regiment’s dress küraß (breastplate) and kollar (tunic). A number of decorations are attached to the küraß, as well as the Black Eagle Breast Star. (Look closely at his right hand. He is actually carrying the regiment’s helmet)! The Kronprinz’s Cypher is embossed in the top center of the photograph. The name of the royal firm that produced the frame in Potsdam appears under the red Moroccan leather. The photograph is accompanied by a framed letter from the Kronprinz to the man to whom the photo was sent. It is fully-colored and displays an 1870 Iron Cross. When combined with the Kronprinz’s helmet, this beautiful photograph and letter set make a magnificent display group. $2,495.00
CB
$3,495.00
20-162 K SABERTACHE STORAGE CASE AND FOUL WEATHER COVER TO KRONPRINZ WILHELM von PREUßEN FOR 1. LEIB-HUSAREN-REGIMENT Nr 1. As a part of our final royalty week after our return from Germany, we are very pleased to offer a most unusual item which Kronprinz Wilhelm von Preußen. This is a sabertache storage case and foul weather cover for the Kronprinz’s sabertache. The Kroneprinz was always very closely associated with 1. Leib-Husaren-Regiment Nr 1. It was his primary regiment and most photos that we see of him in uniform show him in the uniform of that regiment. Whether you see him in a busby or a visor cap of the regiment, that was always his trademark. 1. Leib-Husaren-Regiment Nr 1 was one of four regiments in the German army that carried a Totenkopf on their headdress. Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen was also closely tied to this regiment and had been in a young officer in it and had won an 1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class during the Franco-Prussian War. He served as its regimental commander at one point and all through his career as a general officer he was most often seen in the uniform of the regiment. Getting back to the Kronprinz, he was an Oberst a la Suite for the regiment. The Sabertache was a case that officers, NCO’s and Enlisted Men from Husaren-Regiments wore on their uniforms. A sabertache was a decorative case that was worn suspended from three leather belts. On the exterior it had the regimental colors and the royal cypher for the head of state from which the regiment came. The sabertache would flip up and papers or documents could be carried inside along with other small items. Our offering today is a combination of the sabertache storage case for the sabertache of the Kronprinz and the foul weather cover for the sabertache. To preserve his sabertache when not in use he had this hard case which measured 13 1/4" x 11 1/4" x 2 1/4". This would have been similar to a Pickelhaube or Busby storage case which would have protected the headdress when not in use. The exterior of the case is made of leather which shows normal use and on the front we see the royal crowned cypher of the Kronprinz embossed in gold. Inside the case the lining is of a cream colored silk. The manufacturers markings, "L. Robrecht KGL. Hoflieferant Berlin", can also be seen on the silk lining. Housed inside the storage case is the foul weather cover which would have been placed over the actual sabertache during foul weather. The cover is made of what I would call a high quality oil cloth. There are four small metal snaps inside and there are slots where the three leather belts which supported the sabertache would have been passed through. There is some staining to the silk lining in the storage box where the foul weather cover has rested for many years. This is an amazing accessory which once belonged to Kronprinz Wilhelm. I only wish that I could have acquired his sabertache as well!
Items Relating to King Friedrich Wilhelm III
19-121 DOCUMENT FOR A YOUNG LEUTNANT- SIGNED BY KING FRIEDRICH WILHELM III OF PRUSSIA. This is a letter dated 5 June 1819 from King Friedrich Wilhelm III (1770-1840). Friedrich Wilhelm III was the King of Prussia (1797-1840) during the Napoleonic Wars. The Iron Cross was first authorized during his reign. The letter deals with a Premiereleutnant Graf Haugwitz, who was serving on the Prussian General Staff. The letter is on velum. Friedrich Wilhelm III’s signature is clear. It was signed on the letter after it was prepared for him. $375.00
Items Relating to King Friedrich Wilhelm IV
31-33 GENERALMAJOR PROMOTION PATENT FROM THE TIME OF KING FRIEDRICH WILHELM IV - PRUSSIA. This is the oldest promotion patent that we have ever offered. It is for an Oberst who was being promoted to Generalmajor. His name was Ludwig von Gersdorff. He was the commander of Infantrie-Brigade Nr 32 and á la Suite Infantrie-Regiment Nr 27. This document measures 14 1/4" x 8 3/4." It unfolds into three separate pages with various information. The document is dated 22 May 1858 and signed by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia. It has been folded, with some tearing and foxing at certain points. That said, the document is complete, and generally in good condition. It is very difficult to find promotion patents for generals. It is nothing short of astounding to find one that is nearly 150 years old! King Friedrich Wilhelm IV’s signature is on the final page. $595.00
19-122 DOCUMENT FOR
A YOUNG LEUTNANT - SIGNED BY KING
FRIEDRICH WILHELM IV - PRUSSIA.
This is an ORIGINAL letter
signed by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV (1795-1861). Friedrich Wilhelm IV was King
of Prussia (1840-1850). He was removed from the throne after he went insane.
The letter was written in the castle at Charlottenburg on 30 December 1847. This dealt with the promotion of a young Portopeefähnrich to Second
Lieutenant. The officer in question was Grafen zu Stolberg Wernigerode. This
action was taken by Friedrich Wilhelm IV as the head of the Garde-Korps.
The young officer was attached to 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füßilier. It is
a fine early promotion patent to a young nobleman. The format is different
from what was used by both Kaiser Wilhelm I and II.
$450.00
Items Relating to Kaiser Friedrich III
19-129
KAISER FRIEDRICH III (1831-1888)- SIGNATURE - PRUSSIA.
Friedrich III was Germany’s second Kaiser. He succeeded his father, Wilhelm I,
who died in 1888. Sadly, Friedrich III, Kaiser Wilhelm II’s father, sat on the
throne for just three months. In Germany he is often referred to as the "100
Day Kaiser." During 1888, Germany had three kaisers in little more than three
months! Friedrich III was an able military commander who played an important
role in Germany’s victory in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71. This appears
to be a large envelope which has been unfolded. It measures 15
1/4" x 11." It is
addressed to a Major Goltz. In the lower left corner Friedrich III’s bold and
distinctive signature appears in black ink.
$195.00
Items Relating to Prinz Heinrich
20-146 PRINZ HEINRICH von PREUßEN UNIFORM GROUPING, SWORD, AND MITRE - 1. GARDE-REGIMENT zu FÜß - PRUSSIA. When I bought this grouping one year ago (yes, I am still enough of a collector that I wanted to enjoy this before finding it a new home) I was struck by two thoughts. The first was simply, "Oh, my God!" The second was "How can I describe this and render it full justice?" Let me begin with a bit of the regiment’s historical background. 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füß was founded in 1688. It was garrisoned in Potsdam, where it was a part of the GardeKorps. All GardeKorps Regiments were based in the Berlin area. The most elite, such as 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füß, Regiment der Gardes du Corps, Leib-Garde-Husaren-Regiment, Garde-Jäger-Battalion, Garde-MG-Abteilung Nr 1, 1. Garde-Ulanen-Regiment, 3. Garde-Ulanen-Regiment, 2. Garde-Feldartillerie-Regiment, and 4. Garde-Feldartillerie-Regiment were garrisoned in Potsdam. Frederick the Great erected his beautiful, French-styled castle Sans Soucci in this Berlin suburb, thus guaranteeing his key regiments and the regiments of future Königen (Kings) and Kaisers were based here as well. In the tradition of the Prussian Army, 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füß and the Regiment der Gardes du Corps were the most elite of the regiments. They were considered the König’s (later the Kaiser’s) very own. The competition for assignment to either of these two elite regiments was very keen. The officers of these two regiments were the flower of German royalty and nobility. As one reads through the Rangeliste, these regiments reveal practically nothing but "von’s." Further along one finds a smattering of "Freiherr’s," "Graf’s," etc. Kaiser Wilhelm II served as the Regimental Chef for both regiments.
Officer Mitre Of Prinz Heinrich
Officer’s Mitre for Battalion Nr 1 or Battalion
Nr 3 of 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füß. This regiment had the
unusual situation (along with Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment
Nr 1) of having THREE different types of headdresses for its
officers, NCO’s and enlisted men. For daily use, officers and NCO’s wore the schirmutze (visor cap), while enlisted men wore the mutze. All men in the regiment wore a pickelhaube for dress or
parades. Battalion Nr 1 and Battalion Nr 2 wore a white horse
hair bush on these helmets for parades, while Battalion Nr 3 wore a
black bush. For high ceremonial occasions above and beyond a normal parade, EVERY man in the regiment wore a mitre. This third piece of
headdress harkens back to the times of Frederick the Great.
The mitre is a tall form of headdress, its appearance familiar to students
of 18th and early 19th European and colonial American
history. The mitre’s basic construction is a tall cap of red wool to which a
very ornate, metal front plate and side and back plates are attached. The central theme on the front
plate is a Hohenzollern Eagle. Above it is a bandeau proclaiming "Semper
Talis." The front plate, chin scales, and three other smaller plates, which
are attached to the sides and reverse, are all silver. The two side plates
depict flaming bombs or as they were called in the early 19th Century and
before grenades. The rear plate is larger than the two side plates. It
also shows a flaming bomb, with furled banners flanking it. The mitre’s
reverse, where its red wool is exposed, sports three sections of silver
bullion tape that serve as a trim. Finally, a silver bullion pom-pom like
device at the mitre’s top serves as a sort of equivalent to the field badge
found on busbies, tschapkas, and shakos.
Inside the mitre is a very lightly-used, white, leather sweatband. Attached
to the sweat band is
an ultra-high-quality, white silk liner. This style of
liner is seen only for royalty or nobility. Attached to the white silk liner
is Prinz Heinrich’s gilt crowned cypher. All of the fittings and the
interior are in prime condition. If you look at the red of the mitre’s body,
you will note heavy concentrations of a black substance. I initially thought
it might be mold. We tried to clean small sections of it with soap and
water, then Woolite®, but were unsuccessful. I regret that it is that
way, but I do not know how or if it can be remedied.
Tunic for a Generaloberst in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall
Generaloberst in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall’s Tunic. This is a pre World War I "dunkel-blau"
tunic.
The collar has a unique design for
1. Garde-Regiment zu
Füß. It features two horizontal, silver-bullion collar leitzen.
They are well toned with age and VERY rich-looking. The same silver bullion
appears with red backing on the sleeves. The tunic boasts eight silver
buttons down its center, and two more silver buttons on each of the sleeve’s
bullion markings. The shoulder boards featured are Prinz Heinrich’s daily
wear boards as a Generaloberst in the rank of a Generalfeldmarschall.
This means they show four rank pips, where a traditional Generaloberst’s set would have three. A simple Generalfeldmarschall’s would
feature crossed batons. (Over the years I have seen some variations on this
theme, sometimes with three pips and crossed batons, or even four pips with
batons. Four pips/no batons is the standard for Prussia). The boards have a
white underlay which is correct for this regiment. Silver bullion tape encircles the complete edge of their
reverse. A silver and bullion strap underneath attaches the shoulder boards
to the tunic via a silver button that secures the board to the tunic.
On the left breast are NINE sets of loops for orders, decorations, and
breast stars sewn in. Furthermore, loops are sewn in for a medal bar or
ribbon that measure 4 3/4" wide. The tunic’s interior is fresh and clean,
with a traditional silk lining. It has no interior markings. On the reverse
is a vent flap and six additional silver buttons. The exterior of the tunic
is in very fine condition. About 5-6 small moth nips appear on the tunic’s
front lower right side. They are in no way detractive to the overall
presentation.
General Officer Trousers
General Officer’s Trousers. These are the
matching trousers for the tunic. T
hey are a very dark-blue with a
double-wide red stripe down the outside of each pant leg. Between the two
wide, red stripes is a black stripe intersected further by another, very
narrow, red band. The trouser bands are silk, which show some age and
separation. The condition of the trousers is generally quite pleasing,
although some minor, scattered, moth nips are present. Again, these are not
detractive to the overall presentation of the trousers.
Officer Sword Of Prinz Heinrich
This is Prinz
Heinrich's personal sword for use with this uniform ensemble. The gilt
basket grip has a Hohenzollern Eagle. On the shark skin covered grip
which is single wire wrapped we see a handsome Garde Star. At the top
of the pommel we see Heinrich's royal cypher which is crowned. There is also a leather finger
guard in place. The blade is a plain variety with no etchings nor is it a
Damascus blade. The sword is manufacturer hallmarked. The sword has a
black scabbard with a single ring. There is some paint missing on certain
parts of the scabbard but all in all it is in delightful condition. A final
and very important part of this grouping.
Officer Belt
Also included with this ensemble is the correct
officer brocade belt and buckle for 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füß. The buckle is
silver. All of the attachments are present. The belt’s backing is dark-blue.
This is a fabulous grouping and a real value. An officer’s
mitre from the 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füß can easily fetch $20,000, IF you can even find one. Here you have an important grouping that is
ready to display, to one of the most important royal figures in Imperial
Germany.
$29,995.00
RH
20-178 UNIFORM-SCHIRMUTZE-PHOTOGRAPH GROUPING - PRINZ HEINRICH von PREUßEN AS GROßADMIRAL - KAISERLICHE MARINE. This is an utterly fantastic grouping that once belonged to Prinz Heinrich von Preußen (1862-1929). We have acquired a number of Heinrich’s (Kaiser Wilhelm II’s younger brother) personal items over the years. They have included complete uniform groupings from Großherzogl. Artilleriekorps 1. Großherzogl. Hess. Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr 25 (where he served as the Regimental Inhaber [Chef]) and 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß. He served as a Generaloberst in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall in the latter regiment. In addition we have items of his available for immediate purchase from Füßilier-Regiment Prinz Heinrich von Preußen (Brandenburgisches) Nr 35 and 8. Feldartillerie-Regiment Prinz Heinrich von Preußen. The four regiments mentioned above were the Imperial German Army units (two Prussian, one Hessen, and one Bavarian) with which Heinrich was involved, beyond his primary attachment to the Kaiserliche Marine. Even though Heinrich was a high-ranking member of Prussian royalty, he was also a functioning Imperial German Navy commander. During WW I he commanded the Baltic fleet and oversaw action against the Russians. In fact, Heinrich was one of only SIX men to achieve the rank of Großadmiral in the Kaiserliche Marine. The six men included Kaiser Wilhelm II (1901), King Oscar of Sweden (1901), Hans von Koester (1905), Prinz Heinrich (1909), Alfred von Tirpitz (1911), and Hennig von Holtzendorff (1918). The rank of Großadmiral (Grand Admiral) was equivalent to the German Army’s Generalfeldmarschall. In both cases, rank-holders displayed the Generalfeldmarschall/Großadmiral’s crossed batons on their shoulder boards/epaulettes. In the German Army during WW I, approximately twelve to fifteen men held the rank of Generalfeldmarschall.
Our description of the Heinrich grouping follows below.
TUNIC
The navy-colored tunic is in excellent condition. It is made of high-grade gabardine. A double row of twelve, gilt-toned buttons (six to a row) runs down the tunic’s center. A slanted pocket appears on the left breast. Above the pocket are sewn-in loops, measuring 3 7/16," which held a large ribbon bar. Another three sets of sewn-in loops were for Breast Stars or other important decorations. In addition, two holes reveal reinforced stitching to accommodate heavier pinbacked awards. It is quite unique. I have never seen this system on a tunic. Rich, gold-bullion Großadmiral’s braid ornaments each tunic sleeve. It is very elaborate and sumptuous. Above each set of sleeve braids is the small gilt Hohenzollern Crown that always adorns an officer’s tunic.
Inside the tunic is a luxurious, ultra-high quality silk liner. The tunic’s neck sports a tailor’s label. The label is for the Kaiser ‘s house tailor, "Hettlage Lampe." The firm had offices in Kiel and Osnabrücke. Two interior pockets exist, but show no ownership labeling. (This does not particularly concern me, since the other two Heinrich tunics I am currently offering do not display identification either. The only personal identification that I have seen thus far is in his various headdresses). The tunic’s exterior is in amazing condition. I cannot see a single solitary moth nip.
OFFICER'S SCHIRMUTZE (Visor Cap)
The second part of this grouping is Prinz Heinrich’s officer’s schirmutze. The visor cap’s top is summer white rather, than dark-blue winter. Summer caps are seen less frequently than winter caps. A wide black band on the cap measures 2." In the cap’s center is a beautifully-toned bullion officer’s badge. What catches my attention (in addition to its manifest superiority and luscious patina) is the badge’s Hohenzollern Crown. Seated gloriously atop the badge, it certainly has the look of GOLD. In all probability, it is GOLD, since it exhibits no tarnish whatsoever. The proper chinstrap (and the two small buttons securing it to the cap) is in place. Quite often officers removed the chinstrap and buttons from their schirmutzen. I am very happy to report their presence on our offering.
Inside the cap is a doeskin sweatband with the high cross stitching only seen
on high-quality headdresses. It is another tip-off that the headdress is for
royalty or high-ranking nobility. The liner is made of magnificent white silk.
The silk liner boasts Prinz Heinrich’s hand-embroidered Hohenzollern Crown and
Cypher. It is executed in resplendent, eye-popping gold thread. What makes
Heinrich’s headdress so interesting is such dazzling handiwork. An extra white
top comes with the visor cap.
AUTOGRAPHED & PERSONALIZED FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH
This magnificent grouping’s final component is an autographed, framed photograph of Prinz Heinrich in a Großadmiral’s uniform. (Perhaps it is this very tunic. A prince of the realm, however, certainly had more than one tunic)! The photograph depicts Prinz Heinrich seated, in left-faced profile. The dates Prinz Heinrich commanded the Baltic Fleet against the Russians are listed, along with the dedication and signature (in bold black ink). The dates are 2 August 1914 to 24 January 1918. Although his fleet was not as extensive as the one engaged with the British, Heinrich and his commanders were effective against the larger Russian Fleet. Prinz Heinrich is wearing a Pour le Mérite around his throat in the photograph. He also is wearing an extensive ribbon bar on his left breast and a 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class ribbon in his lapel’s buttonhole. A Großadmiral’s highly-ornate, gold bullion braid is clearly visible on his sleeve.
The handsome wooden frame boasts an unusual, silver-embossed, royal insignia at its top. A swing away easel on the reverse holds the frame in place on flat surfaces. The frame’s Hamburg production firm also appears on the reverse. The frame measures 11 1/4" x 8½." The photograph within the frame measures 8" x 6 1/4."
Prinz Heinrich was one of Prussia’s most popular royals during Imperial Germany’s waning days. He was rivaled only by his brother, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and his nephew, Kronprinz Wilhelm. He was an very effective commander. This grouping could serve as any Kaiserliche Marine or Imperial German collection’s centerpiece. $28,995.00
04-487
REGIMENTAL CHEF’S PICKELHAUBE AND SHOULDER BOARDS - PRINZ HEINRICH -
PRUSSIA - ARTILLERIE-REGIMENT Nr 8 - BAVARIA. Today we are
proud to offer an absolutely stunning Bavarian Artillerie Officer’s
Pickelhaube and shoulder boards for Prinz Heinrich of Prussia. Prinz
Heinrich was the Inhaber of 8. Feldartillerie-Regiment Prinz
Heinrich von Preußen. This regiment was raised in 1900. It was
garrisoned at Nürnberg, where it was assigned to the III. Bavarian
Armeekorps. As the regiment’s Inhaber, Heinrich was its
honorary oberst and, as such, their patron. A regimental oberst commanded
the troops on a daily basis. In his role as regimental Inhaber,
periodically Prinz Heinrich attended their functions. When he did, he
dressed in the same uniform and headdress as the other men. Regiments like
8. Feldartillerie-Regiment Prinz Heinrich von Preußen also had
honorary, á la Suite officers. A regiment could have any number of á la
Suite officers (1. Garde-Regiment zu Füß from Prussia had more
than twenty)! A regiment had only ONE Inhaber, however, and many
regiments had no patron at all. Since the regiment was created in 1900, it
did not have a very long history. It was disbanded when WW I ended in
1918.
Heinrich was named Inhaber of 8. Feldartillerie-Regiment Prinz
Heinrich von Preußen when it was created.
Officer Pickelhaube
The pickelhaube dates circa 1900. It definitely shows prewar quality. It is exquisitely well made. You will be hard pressed to find one of these helmets in better condition. [Although Heinrich was the regiment’s Inhaber, I seriously doubt he spent much time with them, as this helmet shows light use. He shouldered the same responsibilities for at least two other regiments (one Hessen and one Prussian), in addition to his status as one of the Kaiserliche Marine’s very few Großadmirals]. In general appearance, this looks no different from any other officer’s helmet in 8. Feldartillerie-Regiment Prinz Heinrich von Preußen. Even though Heinrich was a Prussian prince, when he was with the regiment, he was an honorary Bavarian. He wore a Bavarian general’s trichter and feather bush to indicate he was a general officer. He was a member of 8. Feldartillerie-Regiment Prinz Heinrich von Preußen, however, when on parade. The helmet’s leather body is superb. Its magnificent condition and appearance are due to the fact that the finest leather available was used in its construction. Its front visor is squared. The leather’s overall condition is supple, with a fine, glossy appearance. We do not know how many owners had custody of this helmet between Heinrich and Der Rittmeister, but all have taken great care to preserve it. All of the helmet’s furniture is gilt. Not only that, but this same furniture’s quality is unsurpassed. When you examine hundreds, even thousands, of helmets as I have over the years, you know when an item is from royalty or nobility. It all begins with the wappen. The detail is striking. It boasts a beautifully crafted finish of frosted gilt. I ask you to pay particular attention to the two rampant Bavarian Lions. They are just sensational. The chin scales are convex, which is indicative of an artillery helmet. The cruciform and officer’s stars are all beautiful, even after all these years. The spike is extra tall and fluted. [Of course, when I mention a spike on an artillery helmet you are wondering how can that be? Bavaria did not change to the kugel from the spike for artillery until 1915. Even then, the use of the kugel was optional, not mandatory, so many men continued to use the spike]. The state and reich’s kokarden are present and in perfect condition. As beautiful as is the helmet’s exterior, the "show" really begins when we look inside. First, we see a pristine, green, front visor in Moroccan leather, and a red rear visor of that same material. The leather sweatband is made of the most luxurious doeskin imaginable. Small spaces are placed all the way around, where the white silk of the liner shows through. If you look at it quickly, you might mistake it for cross stitching. In the forward part of the sweatband, many tiny holes aided in cooling the Prinz’s head. Embossed on the sweatband’s side is the name of the Berlin helmet production firm. As previously mentioned, it has a marvelous white silk liner. This usually indicates royalty. The liner is an ultra-high-quality, watermarked silk. Sewn into the silk liner are a hand-embroidered gold "H" and crown. This is a cypher’s highest expression. In many cases (even in Heinrich’s other helmets) the cyphers are embossed onto the liner. This particular manner of cyphering was used primarily by Kaiser Wilhelm II. I have seen this identical method (substituting the "W" for the "H," of course) used on the Kaiser’s headdresses. Under the silk liner, 100% of the original hardware is visibly in place. The number "58" is penciled in, which is the helmet’s size. The helmet is larger-than-usual, most helmets are in the "54" to "56" range.
Shoulder Boards For A Generaloberst In The Rank Of Generalfeldmarschall
The shoulder boards that accompany the pickelhaube are quite large, measuring 4 ½" x 2" each. Their central theme is a gilt "8," indicating the regiment’s number. Surrounding the "8" are four silver pips that indicate a Generaloberst in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall. This is actually an unusual rank, since a true Generaloberst has three pips. It is an in-between rank for the members of royalty who served in an a la Suite capacity. They are a bit more than a Generaloberst, and not quite as high as a Generalfeldmarschall, but rather a Generaloberst in the rank of a Generalfeldmarschall. The shoulder boards display intertwined ropes of embroidered gold and silver. The silver bullion rope sports blue chevrons, which indicate that these shoulder boards are Bavarian. The reverse has red backing and the necessary slip-on tabs to attach them onto a tunic. The shoulder boards are in excellent condition. This is an important mini grouping. $16,495.00
20-107 GROUPING (PICKELHAUBE, SHOULDER BOARDS, ETC.) - PRINZ HEINRICH
-
PRUSSIA - REGIMENTAL CHEF - FÜßILIER-REGIMENT Nr 35 -
PRUSSIA. Prinz Heinrich of Prussia
was the younger brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Their father
was Friedrich III, the second Kaiser of Germany. Their
grandfather was Wilhelm I, the first Kaiser of Germany, the
head of Germany as it became a more consolidated and unified
nation during the 1860's. [Of course Wilhelm I was greatly
aided by the "Iron Chancellor," Otto von Bismarck,
a major political and strategic genius of his day, who
steered Prussia through its turbulent times to emerge as
Germanys premier state]. As a younger brother Prinz
Heinrich was destined to be involved in the military in more
of a titular role than as a direct field commander. Heinrich
was an interesting person. He held both the rank of
Großadmiral in the Kaiserliche Marine and Generaloberst in
the rank of Generalfeldmarschall in the army. He was, of
course, a Generaloberst in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall
in the famed 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füß. He also served as the
Regimental Chef of Großherzogl.
Artilleriekorps, 1. Großherzogl. Hessisches
Feldartilleree-Regiment 25, and in Fußilier-Regiment
Prinz Heinrich von Preußen (Brandenburgisches) Nr 35.
Earlier this year I had the pleasure of acquiring a uniform
and accouterment group for Heinrich from Großherzogl.
Artilleriekorps, 1. Großherzogl. Hessisches
Feldartilleree-Regiment 25 that included most of his daily
use items.
Today we offer a very rare ensemble that once belonged to
Heinrich, serving as Regimental Chef of Füßilier-Regiment
Nr 35. The group includes:
1) His pickelhaube as Regimental Chef.
2) His shoulder boards for this regiment in the rank of Generaloberst in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall.
3) The canvas cover for his pickelhaube.
4) An autographed portrait photograph of Heinrich to an officer who
had served in the regiment.Keep in mind that while Prinz Heinrich was a General when he was with this regiment he was also one of "them" and was not formally designated a General. (Confused yet?) A Regimental Chef was, in fact, considered an honorary "Oberst" of the regiment. The regiment still had a real Oberst who commanded the regiment on a daily basis. Although this may seem to be a very minute distinction, it is important to note. That is why the helmet that is a part of this grouping is for an officer of this regiment, not for a General. On the other hand, as you will learn further in the description, the shoulder boards for his uniform ARE for a Generaloberst .
So, with no further delay, let us begin our description:
Pickelhaube of Prinz Heinrich
Prinz Heinrichs Pickelhaube as Regimental Chef of Füßilier Regiment Nr 35
. At first glance, looking strictly at the exterior, this seems to be a fairly standard line-officers pickelhaube. It features an officers infantry-style wappen. Upon closer examination, its quality is stunning. The wappen is handsomely frosted. Its attention to detail and caliber is sublime. The wappen retains nearly 100% of its fire gilding despite being nearly 100-years-old. The other furniture of the helmet is also gilt and is far above the level we often see in an officers helmet. The chinscales, spike, etc. are magnificent. The reich and state kokarden are present and of the highest quality. The leather body of the helmet is ravishing. It is babys-bottom smooth and clean. Inside the helmet we find an absolutely-mint, wonderfully-textured, brown leather sweatband. The silk liner is rust-colored and in perfect condition. The latter sports Prinz Heinrichs gilt-embossed, crown-topped royal cypher. Every original nut and bolt is present. A paper label appears with the statement "Prima Qualitat," as well as a Regiment der Garde du Corps helmet in full parade configuration. On the inside of the label we see the helmets size, a "58." The canvas cover of an officer is included.
Shoulder Boards Of A Generaloberst In The Rank Of Generalfeldmarschall
Pair of Daily Service Shoulder Boards for a Generaloberst in the rank of Generalfeldmarschall. Heinrich would have used this pair of shoulder boards for non dress occasions. They feature a wide, embroidered silver band of Russian-style roping decorated with black chevrons (for Prussia). Flanking the silver are two narrower bands of gilt roping. The four silver-toned pips are correct for a generals rank. The gilt-toned number "35" in the shoulder boards center designate the regiment. The shoulder boards reverse reveals a red felt backing. The shoulder boards feature the slip-on design for easy removal, so that the tunic could be fitted with "banjo-style" shoulder boards for dress occasions. Both of these shoulder boards are in superlative condition.
Dedicated and Autographed Portrait Photograph - Prinz Heinrich
Formal Portrait Photograph of Prinz Heinrich Dedicated to an Officer in his Regiment. This
is a large format portrait photograph taken of Heinrich by a photographer in Kiel. The photo measures approximately 5" x 7." Heinrich is in full dress uniform, including his dress sash and "banjo-style shoulder boards. In the photograph a generals helmet with full parade-dress feathers sits on a table. In the upper left corner is a lengthy dedication to a man (an Oberleutnant Schlinder) covering the period "18 October 1900" through "16 June 1919." At the bottom of the photograph boldly signed in ink is Heinrichs name and "Chef."
4) Canvas Cover for the Pickelhaube. This is the canvas cover for Prinz Heinrichs pickelhaube. The cover would have been used in foul weather to protect the helmets leather exterior and metal fittings. The quality of this cover far surpasses that of any other cover I have seen. It shows no markings, but like the pickelhaube it is in first-rate condition. It has been manufactured from the finest materials.This is an exquisite grouping from an important royal personage in Imperial Germany. It provides a rare opportunity to acquire personal items from a leading prince of Prussia. $16,995.00. . .
20-179 DINNER PLATE - PRINZ HEINRICH - GROßADMIRAL - KAISERLICHE MARINE. This is a dinner plate from Prinz Heinrich of Prussia’s personal service. In his role as a House of Hohenzollern Prince and a Kaiserliche Marine Großadmiral, he was expected to project a high level of personal elegance. He was accorded the budget and income to do so. As a part of it, he was expected to set a fine table for dinner guests. Like all royals, he possessed a wonderful variety of table and dinnerware. Today we are offering a dinner plate from his Großadmiral’s personal dining service. He used the plate both while entertaining onboard ship, and while on shore. The beautifully crafted dinner plate measures 9 13/16" in diameter. It features a wide gold trim band on its outer rim. Within that is a blue trim band, further sandwiched by another gold band. The four narrow gold bands actually replicate the four stripes on a Großadmiral’s sleeve. The plate’s top displays an Admiral and Großadmiral’s crossed ensigns. The plate’s center features the House of Hohenzollern’s Crown and Stole. Below the Crown is the Black Eagle Collar, also emblematic of the House of Hohenzollern. In the Collar’s center is a Hohenzollern Eagle with the French motto of the Order of the Garter: "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense (Shamed be he who thinks evil of it)." The very elaborate enamel center is executed in no less than three colors (blue, black, and gold). [Please take time to examine the plate’s photographs closely. They simply cannot render full justice to this plate, its colors are too deep and striking. They absolutely jump off the plate]. The reverse reveals that the plate was produced by KPM, which produced all the tableware for every House of Hohenzollern constituent. Its serial numbers also are listed. This is a spectacular piece from a member of the royal family, and one of only six Kaiserliche Marine Großadmirals. It would make a wonderful addition to any display of Prinz Heinrich materials. $1,295.00
JG
19-92 AUTOGRAPHED LETTER FROM PRINZ HEINRICH OF PRUSSIA. This is an original letter written by Prinz Heinrich of Prussia (1862-1929). Heinrich was the younger brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Heinrich served as the head of the Kaiserliche Marine in the rank of großadmiral. He served in that capacity until he disagreed with Großadmiral Alfred von Tirpitz. Heinrich lost out on that power play when his older brother backed von Tirpitz. Interestingly, this hand written letter is on an 8 3/4" x 5 3/4" piece of paper that has been folded in half and bears the embossed seal of the Kroneprinzessen Cecilie. She was his niece by marriage, a princess from Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and the wife of his nephew, Kroneprinz Wilhelm, the heir to the Hohenzollern throne and the man who never became Kaiser after the monarchy fell in 1918. This letter was written 22 April 1922 in black ink. A partial description of the letter in German is included. $175.00
20-176 NAVAL STANDARD FOR A PRINZ OF THE HOUSE OF HOHENZOLLERN. This is an incredible standard/banner that was used on Kaiserliche Marine vessels. The banner proclaimed the presence of a Prinz of the House of Hohenzollern on board. Three Hohenzollern Princes are the most likely to have had this particular flag flown for them. The senior of the three was Großadmiral Prinz Heinrich (1862-1929). He was Kaiser Wilhelm II’s (1859-1941) younger brother. The second was Kaiser Wilhelm II’s son, Prinz Adalbert (1884-1948). The final prince was Prinz Heinrich’s son, Prinz Waldemar (1889-1945). That said, if ANY Hohenzollern Prinz were visiting a ship (even if he served in the Army), this flag would have correctly flown to honor and recognize him. The standard measures a whopping 6’ 11"(83") x 6’ 6"(78.") The banner’s center sports a large Hohenzollern Eagle within a shield. Below that is an important symbol of Prussian royalty, the Black Eagle Collar. [An excellent representative of the Collar resides at Haus Doorn, Kaiser Wilhelm II’s residence-in-exile, in the Netherlands. The last example I saw on the market, which had belonged to the King of Bulgaria, sold with its presentation case for more than $100,000!] Above it all sits a red and gold Hohenzollern Crown. The entire arrangement is superimposed on a large Iron Cross measuring 5' 11" (71") x 6' 6"(78.") Two more smaller Hohenzollern Crowns appear to the right of the shield. The upper left and lower right corners feature smaller Hohenzollern Eagles. Two repair patches show in the upper and lower right corners. No tearing or rips are apparent, although substantial fading has occurred from exposure to the elements. The standard’s right side displays a lanyard and other fittings by which it can be attached to a ship’s halyard. Normally, members of the royal house only visited battleships and battle cruisers, so typically one would not see this banner on a small vessel. The flag is somewhat similar to the Kaiser’s Standard, but some differences exist. Its overall condition is average, or a bit better. This is not an unused, or mint flag. It has seen service. It exhibits the expected wear a cotton item such as this experiences when exposed to salt air, salt water, smoke, etc. It is a great item for any royal or naval collection. $3,495.00
Bavaria
Items Relating to King Ludwig II
20-114 KNIGHTHOOD BESTOWAL (ADELSBRIEF) DOCUMENT SET FROM THE TIME OF KÖNIG LUDWIG II - BAVARIA. The Adelsbrief was a formal presentation document given at the time a German was elevated to the nobility. It was at this point that the coveted "von" was added to the mans name. He thus was "knighted." From that point forward he and his descendants became permanent